Walking with insects: molecular mechanisms behind parasitic manipulation of host behaviour

Houte, Stineke van; Ros, V.I.D.; Oers, Monique M. van

doi:10.1111/mec.12307

Cited by 99 publications

(116 citation statements)

References 178 publications

(402 reference statements)

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“…Viruses are known manipulators of host behaviour (van Houte et al, 2013). For some viruses, certain changes in host behaviour appear to be an important element in successful viral transmission (e.g.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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A viral aphrodisiac in the cricket Gryllus texensis

Adamo

Kovalko

Easy

et al. 2014

Journal of Experimental Biology

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We identified the insect iridovirus IIV-6/CrIV as a pathogen of the cricket Gryllus texensis using electron microscopy (EM) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis. EM showed that the virus attacks the fat body, an organ important for protein production, immune function and lipid storage. During infection the fat body hypertrophied, but egg production withered, leaving the lateral oviducts empty of eggs; the females were effectively sterile. EM of the testis of infected males suggests that the testis was not invaded by the virus, although sperm taken from the spermatophores of infected males showed little or no motility. Nevertheless, males and females continued to mate when infected. In fact, infected males were quicker to court females than uninfected controls. The virus benefits from the continued sexual behaviour of its host; transmission studies show that the virus can be spread through sexual contact. Sickness behaviour, the adaptive reduction of feeding and sexual behaviour that is induced by an activated immune system, was absent in infected crickets. Total haemolymph protein was reduced, as was phenoloxidase activity, suggesting a reduction in immune protein production by the fat body. The evidence suggests that during IIV-6/CrIV infection, the immune signal(s) that induces sickness behaviour is absent. Curtailment of a host's sickness behaviour may be necessary for any pathogen that is spread by host sexual behaviour.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…How viruses, or any other pathogen/parasite, alter host behaviour remains poorly understood (Adamo, 2013;van Houte et al, 2013;Adamo, 2012;Lefèvre et al, 2009). Most pathogens appear to use multiple mechanisms simultaneously to alter host behaviour, as opposed to relying on a 'magic bullet' approach (Adamo, 2013).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

A viral aphrodisiac in the cricket Gryllus texensis

Adamo

Kovalko

Easy

et al. 2014

Journal of Experimental Biology

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…Thus, the southern European climate may favour a higher biting rate which can be beneficial for WNV transmission. It would also be beneficial for virus transmission, if viruses themselves can maximize their transmission potential by increasing the biting rate of their vector (Hurd 2003, Lefèvre & Thomas 2008, van Houte et al 2013. Interestingly, I found that WNV reduced the host-seeking response of Cx.…”

Section: Biting Behaviourmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The natural transmission cycle can only be completed if an infectious vector is able to find a new susceptible host and transmit the pathogen while feeding. Many examples exist of pathogens that influence host feeding behaviour of its vector, in a way that seems to increase their transmission (van Houte et al 2013). Increased transmission can be achieved through direct manipulation of vector behaviour or through indirect effects of the pathogen on, for instance, host defence or host attractiveness (De Moraes et al 2014, Hurd 2003, Targett 2006, van Houte et al 2013.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%